Religious sisters run French restaurant in Argentina to fund community work

The Trabajadoras Misioneras de la Inmaculada, a religious order, operate a French restaurant called L’Eau Vive in Luján, Argentina, to sustain their communal life and missionary work.

Marlen Chirinos, the superior of the house, explains that the sisters manage both the kitchen and the dining room. While the restaurant serves as a primary source of income, the sisters also spend their time visiting families, collaborating with Cáritas, and providing spiritual support to those who seek prayer.

The community originated in France in 1950 under the leadership of Marcel Roussel-Galle. He encouraged the sisters to open restaurants so they could work together while maintaining their religious mission. The sisters in Luján now include members from countries such as Vietnam, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, and French Polynesia. Although they primarily speak French, they are learning Spanish to serve the local community.

The sisters are currently pausing their restaurant service to assist with the visit of Pope Leo XIV. They will participate in volunteer tasks and serve as ministers during the Pope's visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján. During their regular service hours, the sisters also invite customers to sing the "Ave María de Lourdes," a tradition that began in the Luján location 50 years ago.